Gov. Brewer announces staff change

Brewer

Governor Jan Brewer today announced Patt Parker as the new Coordinator for Strategic Military Affairs, a role in which she will advise the governor on issuesregarding the state’smilitary operations.

Ms. Parker will serve as the central coordinator for state, federal and local officials regarding executive, legislative and federal actions necessary to sustainingArizona’scurrent military operations and enhancing our preparedness to respond to potential new missions. In coordination with the Military Affairs Commission and other entities, Ms. Parker will assist Arizona military officials and communities in identifying and appropriatingresources for the planning and improvement of our state’s military installations, withthe overall objective of protecting and enhancing the economic and defense interests of Arizona.

“Patt brings years of experience and expertise in public service, leadership and training and military affairs–including a keen familiarity with issues related to Base Realignment and Closure,” said Governor Brewer. “She is a welcome addition to this administration, and will play a valuable roleinArizona’s continuedefforts to protect and strengthen our critical military operations and installations.”

“The Governor’s announcement of Patt Parker joining her staff is welcomed news, and underscores theimportance the Governor places on Arizona being a military-friendly state,” said Lisa Atkins, Co-Chair of the Arizona Military Affairs Commission. Arizonans are grateful for the men, women and families who choose to serve, and our commitment to national defense is reflected by a strong track record of protecting and enhancing the military installations and missions located in our state.Patt’s leadership and experience will beinvaluable to advancing that mission.”

Prior to joining Governor Brewer’s administration, Ms. Parker worked for the Department of Businessand Economic Development in Baltimore, Maryland. She served as Deputy Director of Military and Federal Affairs, where she developed strategy related to BRAC, and was appointed as a member of the Governor’sEmergency Management Agency and Veterans Task Force. She previously was the President/Owner of Dio Sicuro, LLC, a Leadership Development and Coaching company in Huntingtown, Maryland; Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of the Army, Pentagon; and worked in Intelligence Operations for the U.S. Department of Defense. Ms. Parker received numerous awards for her work, includingthe Civilian Sustained Superior Award; DCI’s Meritorious Unit Citation; National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation; and Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

"Governor Brewer’s appointment is both appropriate and timely,”said Ron Shoopman, President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Counciland Brigadier General (ret.). “Defense cuts and sequestration now

threaten the future of Arizona's military installations. State leadership is essential if we are to protect our defense assets and preserve the proud role Arizona plays in defending our nation."

Ms. Parker is actively involved in volunteer and community organizations, including for the National, Maryland and Arizona Federations of Republican Women, Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series, Prescott Chamber of Commerce and more. She received her Masters of Science in National Security Strategythrough the National Defense University’s National War College; Masters of Business Administration fromMarymount University; Masters in Organizational Effectiveness from Army Management Staff College; and Bachelor of Arts in Education and History from Marymount University.